State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele told Parliament last week that the Border Management Agency (BMA) will promote free movement of goods and people while preventing illegality. The protection of borders in Southern Africa and beyond is now, more than ever, of paramount importance as South Africa and its neighbouring countries prepare to safeguard tourists and citizens ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
But Cwele said a security assessment to date does not indicate any security threat to the soccer event including any threats of terrorism adding that security agencies were on guard for any eventuality. Units of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have in recent weeks resumed border patrols as part of efforts to curb criminal activities including entry into the country. Cwele said an inter-departmental task team, responsible for the setting up of the BMA has reported considerable progress. We are currently in the process of obtaining approval from the Departments of Public Service and Administration and National Treasury, said Cwele.